Students looking for an affordable education in Arizona have two main options—community college or public university. Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona (UA), and Northern Arizona University (NAU) are strong choices. But you could also consider transferring from a local community college to a state school after two years. There isn’t much state financial aid in the Grand Canyon State, so it’s very important to file a FAFSA. This will ensure you’re considered for federal aid.

How to Transfer College Credits in Arizona

Arizona is one of the easiest states in the nation for transferring college credits. With the AZTransfer program, students have access to several different transfer pathways and options. Students can decide to complete general education curriculum, follow individual major guides, or participate in four year university pathway programs, all of which offer guaranteed transfer options.

Students who complete transfer pathways in Arizona will enter their four year college or university with junior standing. In Arizona’s transfer pathways programs, blocks of classes are treated as a whole and not examined separately for transferability. Students are also exempted from GPA requirements for Arizona public university admission.

Students who are undecided on a major can simply complete the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC). This course work applies to associate’s degrees at two year colleges, and will also apply to your bachelor’s degree at any public four year college or university in Arizona.

For those who know the field of study they’d like to major in, AZTransfer offers major guides. These guides are specific to community colleges in Arizona and create a pathway from a community college associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree offered by two or more Arizona public universities.

Students who have already chosen their desired four year university can follow specific university transfer options. These options include guaranteed transfer of credits, and some may also offer admission guarantees as well.

While you’re there, check out ACPE’s online Arizona College & Career Guide. This is a one-stop resource for students considering an affordable Arizona college, university, vocational or career school. It lays out your financial aid options and profiles almost every higher education institution.

Arizona Student Grants

Summary: AzLEAP gives need-based grants to low-income Arizona students who wish to attend an undergraduate program at an eligible college or university in Arizona. The AzLEAP website has a list of participating institutions, which includes ITT Tech. The state allocates money to institutions, and institutions award the grant. The maximum AzLEAP award per academic year is $2,500. The average amount is $1,000 per academic year.

Eligibility: You must:

Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen

Be a resident of Arizona

Be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student in a regionally or nationally accredited Arizona postsecondary institution

Have substantial financial need (i.e. be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant) as determined by FAFSA

Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution

How to Apply: File your FAFSA and list a participating institution in your choice of schools. Schools select eligible recipients for the award using information from the FAFSA; contact your university’s Financial Aid Office if you have any questions about the process.

Arizona Student Loans & Repayment Programs

Summary: MSSE provides need-based forgivable loans to Arizona college students (juniors or seniors) who are willing to teach in Arizona public schools in certain counties (e.g. La Paz) and/or specialty areas (e.g. math).

In return for a commitment to teach for a period of time equal to the number of years of the award plus one extra year, students can receive a maximum of $7,000 per academic year for up to three years of education. For example, if you receive funds for two years of college, you must work for three years as a teacher.

This award money excludes all grants, scholarship and other tuition benefits (e.g. tribal and military). Funds can be applied to tuition & fees and instructional materials. If you don’t complete your teaching obligation, the award converts to a loan, which must be repaid with 7% interest.

Eligibility: You must:

Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.

Be a resident of Arizona for at least 12 months prior to the time of application completion

Be enrolled at least half-time in a baccalaureate program at a nationally or regionally accredited postsecondary educational institution in Arizona (public or private)

Be a junior or senior (completed at least 60 college credit hours) in a course of instruction with the intent to attain licensure as a teacher in math, science or special education in a public school in Arizona or attain licensure as a teacher in elementary education in a public school that is located in a geographic area (Apache, Cochise, Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Santa Cruz & Yuma) in Arizona that is experiencing a shortage of teachers as determined by the state board of education

Be seeking a first baccalaureate degree

Have financial need (Cost of Attendance minus EFC)

Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution

Enter into an agreement with the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to teach in an Arizona public school in a term equal to the number of year of loan received plus one year

Sign a promissory note acknowledging the conditions of the loan and promising to repay the loan plus 7% interest if teaching obligation is not met

Summary: PCPLRP and RPPCPLRP are State Loan Repayment Programs (SLRPs) administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). In return for working for two years as primary care practitioners in high need areas throughout Arizona, participants receive loan repayments on qualifying educational loans.

PCPLRP participants must work with a public or private, non-profit entity located—and providing services in—a federally designated health professional shortage area (HPSA).

RPPCPLRP participants must work in a rural private primary care practice located in a federally designated HPSA or medically underserved area in Arizona.

Additional Support for Arizona Students

Summary: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Student Exchange Programs allow tens of thousands of Arizona students to attend undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in other Western states at reduced rates.

How to Apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office at your choice of participating institution for an application.

Cheaper College Living in Arizona

College is seldom cheap, especially for low-income Arizonans. If you and your family are starting to struggle with basic needs, the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) may be able to help. You’re probably already aware of programs like Nutrition Assistance (food stamps) and AHCCCS Health Insurance, but the DES also provides child care subsidies, utility assistance (LIHEAP), temporary cash, employment resources and much more. DES’s Online Services page allows you to apply for most of these benefits.

Don’t qualify for state benefits? Call 2-1-1 or visit the website of Arizona 211. 211 is a free referral organization that connects residents to the right local resource. Wondering what benefits are available for veterans? Looking for short-term help with household bills? In danger of being evicted? Searching for GED programs? 211 counselors can answer almost question you have.

Alternatively, you can contact your local Community Action Agency (CAA). These agencies are located throughout Arizona and provide a huge range of services related to basic needs.

On-Campus Housing

The total cost of on-campus housing will depend your school’s size, location and commitment to housing. For instance, UA has 23 residence halls; a lot of community colleges have none. If you’re not sure what to do, play with the budget calculators on MappingYourFuture.org and CalcXML.com. These allow you to compare on-campus costs (meal plans, dorm fees, etc.) with off-campus bills (groceries, commuting, utilities, etc.). Many students try to save money by sharing dorm space (e.g. NAU’s discounted triple room) and opting for the lowest cost meal plan.

It’s also important to remember that some schools require—or highly recommend that—first year students to live on campus. For example, ASU expects first-time freshmen to live on campus in the residential college of their major. The housing section of the university’s website will have information on current rates and requirements.

A lot of financial aid packages don’t pay for room & board. If you’re stressed about your options, talk to your high school counselor, the university’s residential life/housing coordinator and/or an officer at the Financial Aid Office. They may be able to refer you to work study programs or private & institutional scholarships that deal with housing. For example, the Flinn Scholarship Program covers the cost of tuition, fees and room & board for scholars attending ASU, UA or NAU.

Off-Campus Housing

Students at big state schools and Arizona commuter colleges often end up staying at home or renting. For instance, U.S. News & World Report noted that 80% of UA students and 77% of ASU students lived off-campus in 2016. Generally speaking, apartments close to university campuses tend to have higher rents than more distant neighborhoods. So it’s important to decide how much time & money you want to spend on commuting.

One place to look for guidance is the housing section of your university’s website. Most colleges are happy to offer advice, resources and listings to off-campus students. ASU’s Off Campus Housing provides printed & online housing guides and hosts two housing fairs. NAU’s Off Campus Housing Resources page has links to its housing guide, NAU-partnered housing options and commuter advice. And UA has partnered with Off-Campus Housing Partners to create a separate Off-Campus Housing website.

Craigslist, local rent sites, and bulletin boards will have postings for cheap apartments (just vigilant about scams—folks love to take advantage of students). You might also try websites like CampusRent.com, ApartmentGuide.com and MyApartmentMap.com, which allow you to target your college or university. If the worst happens and you’re facing eviction, HomelessShelterDirectory.org has a list of emergency shelters and transitional housing opportunities in the Arizona Homeless Shelter Directory.

Utilities

Always find out what utilities you’ll be responsible for covering (e.g. electricity, water, etc.) before you sign any lease. If you’re sharing with other students, work out a written agreement about how expenses will be paid—you don’t want to have late payments on a utility bill in your name. To get a better handle on the budget, ask your prospective landlord for a monthly estimate of utilities or talk to former renters.

Unable to afford your bills? Low-income Arizona residents who own or rent are often eligible for utility assistance programs. For example, the DES contracts with Community Action Programs (CAPs) to offer temporary energy help through LIHEAP.

Need help beyond campus? The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) has an interactive map of Sliding Fee Schedule (SFS) clinics. These clinics provide free or low-cost primary, mental and dental health services to persons without insurance. (FreeClinicDirectory.org and NeedyMeds.org have similar databases.) Hitting the wall? Mental Health America (MHA) of Arizona has a list of mental crisis hotlines; the national Mental Health Crisis/Suicide hotline is 1-800-273-8255.

Finding affordable dental care may require a bit more research. Try searching the SFS clinic list above or looking for a dental school or training facility nearby. For example, PCC’s low-cost Dental Hygiene Clinic allows dental students to practice on patients under the eye of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. ATSU’s Dental Clinic at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health offers a large range of services at reasonable rates to the entire public. FreeDentalCare.us: Arizona also has a list of free and low-cost dental clinics in each county.

Child Care

For many student parents, child care is the ultimate barrier to college. A few Arizona colleges & universities—including ASU—have on-campus daycare facilities, but competition for places is often fierce. Apply as early as you can.

Transportation

Car, bike, bus—whatever your choice of wheels, we recommend a quick look at the transportation section of your university’s website. It will probably be dull as ditchwater, but it will have tons of useful info on how to save money. You’ll find links to parking services, free campus shuttles & light rails, rideshares, carpools, Zipcars, bike auctions & rentals and more. Some schools have even started programs that reward students who commit to alternative transportation.

In addition, a lot of Arizona universities and colleges have forged deals with local transit companies. UA’s discount U-Pass gives students unlimited rides on the Sun Link streetcar, Sun Tran and Sun Express buses. ASU’s U-Pass is good for unlimited rides on Valley Metro light rail and all Valley Metro Local, LINK, Express and RAPID bus routes. National carriers like Greyhound and Amtrak also offer discounts to college students.

Food

UA, ASU, NAU, Estrella Mountain Community College and Southwest University of Visual Arts have opened food pantries on campus and the list continues to grow. A few schools around the country have also created programs to supply at-need or homeless students with leftovers from dining services. When you hit a crisis, talk to your Financial Aid Office—counselors may know of ways to reduce your meal plan costs.

Find Support in Your Area

College in Phoenix on a Budget

According to Sperling’s Best Places, the overall cost of living in Phoenix was just below the national average in 2016. The heat can be crushing, so you’ll want to keep in mind costs for air conditioning. The affordably priced Phoenix Metro Light Rail runs for 20 miles (though rents tend to be expensive for apartments near it) and bikes are everywhere. Despite its desert reputation, you’re always near a trail of some description, complete with coyotes and rattlesnakes. General info for residents can be found on the City of Phoenix website.

Where to Go for Help in Phoenix

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a city to send that kid to college. Whether you’re sixteen or sixty, there are many non-profit organizations in Phoenix that can help with the goal of higher education.

The CollegeDepot at the Burton Barr Central Library is a free, full-service college access center. It offers one-on-one counseling for aspiring students, hosts college workshops & events, runs an online high school for Phoenix adults and maintains a database of college scholarships.

AZ Call-A-Teen Youth Resources (AYCR) provides workforce development, GED services, tuition assistance, mentoring and vocational training to students and youth in need. It also runs an alternative high school in downtown Phoenix.

Helping Hands for Single Moms assists low-income single moms who wish to pursue a college education and achieve financial independence. Its program includes scholarship money, assistance with monthly bills, mentoring & tutoring, professional counseling and more. It also has a Tucson affiliate.

Unlimited Potential is a bilingual program focused on serving families in the Phoenix area. It provides adult literacy classes (e.g. ESL & GED), community education workshops, help with parenting and social services (e.g. help with bills, food cards and clothing).

College in Tucson on a Budget

Home to UA and all its amenities, Tucson is a fairly reasonable place for students. In 2016, the overall cost of living was lower than Phoenix or Tempe; utilities and housing costs were particularly affordable. It has a reputation as a bike- and hike-friendly city and the Sun Link Streetcar goes right through the UA campus. Plus, the whole city has plenty of low-cost dining and entertainment options. Things to watch out for include crime (think property theft and renters insurance) and the scorching heat (think air conditioning bills). General info for residents can be found on the City of Tucson website.

Where to Go for Help in Tucson

Tucson has fewer college preparation & youth development programs than Phoenix, but there are still plenty of non-profit organizations that are willing to lend a hand.

Tucson Youth Development offers education and career programs to youth and young adults in Pima County. Out-of-school youth can receive help with jobs and access to community services; in-school youth participate in summer programs and career internships.

Goodwill of Southern Arizona has developed a METRO Goodwill® Youth Program for Tucson youth (ages 16-24) who need guidance on employment and education options (e.g. tutoring, mentoring, help with job applications, etc.). It also partners with the GAP Ministries food program to provide visitors with free snacks.

The Salvation Army Tucson runs a huge number of programs out of its community centers. Services include transitional housing, emergency utility and rent assistance, Christmas toy distribution, after school programs, summer camps and school supply assistance. It can also help with employment referrals and training.

College in Mesa on a Budget

Thanks—in part—to higher housing costs, Mesa is more expensive than Tucson or Phoenix. A lot of residents commute, and public transport isn’t great, so you’ll probably need to consider the costs of a car or a bike. Fortunately, the city has 40+ miles of bike lanes and plenty of access to trails and recreational opportunities. Summer temperatures regularly soar past 100 degrees, so be prepared for electricity bills. General info for residents can be found on the City of Mesa website.

Where to Go for Help in Mesa

Finding a cheap college education in Arizona takes time, effort and support from the whole community. No matter what you need—financial aid advice, family support, test preparation—there is a Mesa organization that can help.

Mesa Counts on College Access Center provides college preparation & career resources to underserved residents in the valley. It runs low-cost (or free) GED Prep, ACT Test Prep and PSAT Prep Camp programs. It also offers free one-on-one counseling and college advice.

The Mesa Community Outreach Center, a service of Mesa Community College, provides access to college exploration, career planning and important community resources (e.g. food banks, housing, legal services). There are free workshops, low-cost GED preparation courses and plenty of resources en Español.

Rio Salado’s College Bridge Pathways (CBP) program supplies non-traditional students with a bridge to higher education. In addition to adult education courses (e.g. HSE/GED preparation), CBP has a five tiered college and career student support program called STAR-PATH.

School Rankings

GateWay Community College

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, GateWay Community College is a community college that offers both occupational and academic programs. GateWay offers many associate degrees that transfer fully to Arizona universities. For low-income, first generation, or disabled students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree after their time at GCC, the federally funded TRIO Program Student Support Services is available to assist. Students who are seeking financial aid may apply for GateWay Scholarships, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships, or external scholarships. They may also take advantage of the work study program. GateWay also offers a tuition payment plan for students who need to make their tuition payments in monthly installments.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 95.1

5,950 Students

2

Arizona State University

Arizona State University, which has four campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area and one in Lake Havasu, is the largest public university in the U.S., as well as one of the top public research universities. Students at the university's main campus in Tempe have good odds of getting help with the cost of their education, with 85% of full-time beginning undergraduate students receiving institutional grants or scholarships, and 34% of all undergraduates receiving Pell Grants. A few of the special institutional grant and scholarship programs offered at ASU include the New American University Scholarship, which is awarded to academically outstanding students, and the ASU College Attainment Grant Program, which is awarded to low-income students. The school also offers student jobs and Federal Work-Study jobs to eligible students.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 94.7

50,320 Students

3

Estrella Mountain Community College

Located in Avondale, Arizona, Estrella Mountain Community College is a two-year community college. There are many forms of financial aid available to Estrella Mountain Community College students such as the Federal Work Study Program which can be completed in a number of positions. Some students may be eligible for tuition waivers or scholarships like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholarship or the Salt River Project 'Get into Energy' Scholarship. Payment plans are also available to make tuition more manageable. EMCC has transfer partnerships with over 30 universities such as Argosy University and Arizona State University.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 94.3

9,164 Students

4

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona, established in 1885 with 32 students and six teachers, is now one of the leading public research universities in the country, with an undergraduate population of 33,000 students. Through a combination of loans, grants and work-study programs, the average first-year financial package comes to $12,526. The university's Wildcat Excellence Tuition Award is open to incoming freshmen who are Arizona residents. The award amount ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 per academic year. Non-Arizona freshmen or transfer students can vie for the Achievement Award, a need-based award which can total up to $4,000 per academic year.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 93.9

42,236 Students

5

Paradise Valley Community College

Paradise Valley Community College is a two-year institution in Phoenix, Arizona that offers over 75 degree and certificate programs. Most first-year students at PVCC can expect financial assistance, with 70% receiving aid of some form. Institutional gift aid is awarded to 35% of first-year students, including the full-tuition President's Honors Scholarship, foundation scholarships and talent waivers. Foundation scholarships include the PVCC College Success Scholarship, the Suzy Crescenti Memorial Scholarship at Paradise Valley Community College ($730 per year) and the Dougherty Foundation Scholarship at Paradise Valley Community College (between $250 and $500 per semester). Talent waivers are scholarships in the areas of creative writing, dance, journalism, music, theater and visual arts. Additionally, 43% of first-year students receive federal grants and 16% receive federal loans.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 93.8

8,909 Students

6

Chandler/Gilbert Community College

Founded in 1985 to serve the higher education needs of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Chandler-Gilbert Community College currently has three campuses: the Pecos Campus in Chandler, the Williams Campus in Mesa and the Sun Lakes Center in Sun Lakes. The College provides financial aid to 65% of full-time beginning undergraduates, with students receiving an average award of $3,706. CGCC students are eligible for federal grant programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, which provides an award ranging from $585 to $5,730 per year. Institutional grants or scholarships are awarded to 22% of full-time beginning undergraduates at CGCC, including various foundation scholarships, which are awarded through the Maricopa Community College District's foundation. These scholarships include the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program, which covers tuition, fees and living expenses.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 93.4

14,500 Students

7

Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College has just under 10,000 undergraduates pursuing associate degrees and certificate programs in diverse disciplines. Full-time students can apply for the President's Honors Scholarship, which covers the cost of full tuition for one year. Female students with demonstrable financial need are considered for the Hallie Clark Scholarship ($1,000). Arizona high school graduates enrolled in a degree, certificate, or transfer program are given preference for the Helen A. Frantz Scholarship ($2,500). SCC baseball players can apply for the Eugene P. Davis Memorial Scholarship ($935). Homeschooled or dual enrollment students are given preference for the Brett Nachman Family Scholarship ($504). For the 2013-2014 academic year, 35 percent of first-year students received the Pell Grant, with the average grant amount coming to $4,185.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

CAG Score 93.4

9,863 Students

8

Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University's 27,715 students (fall 2014) can choose from 91 undergraduate, 60 graduate, and 99 online degree programs. Ninety-six percent of incoming freshmen with need received financial aid, with the average first-year financial assistance package amounting to $11,167. Full-time students with excellent academic performance may be eligible for the Carl L. Soderberg Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition. Admitted students from Hawaii can apply for the Amy Hatsue Takenaka-Websdale HAPA Club Scholarship. The Logjammers Student Spirit Scholarship Fund allots scholarships for students with demonstrable financial need and who participate in university-recognized spirit organizations. Both programs award $1,000 scholarships each year. Thirty-five percent of first-year students received the Pell Grant during the 2013-2014 school year. The average grant amount was $4,237.

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission